Italy -- Buy Handset and Prepaid Plan there?

gsmith · **Italy -- Buy Handset and Prepaid Plan there? -** 11-06-2009, 01:39

I'm heading to Italy next week for a month. I would like to have a mobile phone to call ahead to hotels or book reservations. I do NOT currently have an unlocked phone. I'm hoping I can buy a very inexpensive handset (or maybe get a free handset) with a pre-paid plan when I get there.

Can anyone give me an idea of what the least expensive handset + pre-paid plan would cost?

Do I really need to obtain a "codice fiscale" or can I just show my passport?

I assume an Italian phone will come with menus/prompts in Italian; I do not speak Italian. Will that be a big problem? I would think the only thing I'll need to do is "recharge".

I've been told that TIM is the provider with the best coverage. Do they have many retail locations around Rome?

Thanks

	(#1)
gsmith (Offline) Junior Member Newbie Posts: 1 Join Date: 09 Jun 2009 Country:	Italy -- Buy Handset and Prepaid Plan there? - 11-06-2009, 01:39 I'm heading to Italy next week for a month. I would like to have a mobile phone to call ahead to hotels or book reservations. I do NOT currently have an unlocked phone. I'm hoping I can buy a very inexpensive handset (or maybe get a free handset) with a pre-paid plan when I get there. Can anyone give me an idea of what the least expensive handset + pre-paid plan would cost? Do I really need to obtain a "codice fiscale" or can I just show my passport? I assume an Italian phone will come with menus/prompts in Italian; I do not speak Italian. Will that be a big problem? I would think the only thing I'll need to do is "recharge". I've been told that TIM is the provider with the best coverage. Do they have many retail locations around Rome? Thanks